Week 40 – The Year of Less Habit: Spend Less, Live More Lightly
This week’s habit has been created because of a simple spring clean, one that turned into a full blown reality check. I used the long weekend to sort through cupboards, drawers, and corners I have been ignoring, and what I found stopped me in my tracks. I didn’t think I was much of a spender. But as I sorted through my stuff, I kept asking, “Why on earth did I buy that?” It’s amazing how quietly clutter builds up, a candle here, a cute mug there, another “must-have” storage basket. One by one, they sneak in until suddenly, it’s everywhere. That’s when it hit me: I don’t actually need more stuff. I need less noise.
I have always thought of myself as practical. I don’t splurge on luxury brands or tech toys. But when I really looked, I saw it clearly, I buy to fill a moment, not a need. That realisation really hit me this weekend. I am pretty ruthless when I declutter, I usually do one big purge a year. Its different this time, because of the lessons I am learning this year, this time is different. I am not just clearing space I an facing my own patterns. I am realising how easily “practical” can slip into “pointless.” I don’t need more stuff, I need less noise.
A few years ago, I read Cait Flanders book, the year of less, where she spent 12 months buying nothing but the essentials. I remember loving that idea and her message the freedom that comes from not constantly consuming. I even gave it a go for a couple of months. But back then I was not in the right head space. I didn’t have the level of commitment I do now. It was more of a “nice idea” than a real experiment.
This year though, commitment has become one of my biggest strengths. So after a week of clearing and cleaning, I am ready to give it another red hot shot.
So I will put some boundaries to this, and I will take a leaf out of Cait’s book why reinvent the wheel. What is allowed: Groceries Toiletries Petrol Gifts for others Replacing true essentials (only when they run out) Not Allowed: New clothes, Accessories Gadgets or tech Takeaway coffee and Books Sounds easy, right? But I know the real test won’t be stuff, it will be connection. That weekend meet up for coffee post gym/walk coffee. Friendship meetups are apart of my routine, so I will just have to take my water bottle and enjoy the moment. Its really about the connection not the consumption.
Spending is emotional just like eating, spending is rarely about the item. It’s about what we’re feeling. Tired. Stressed. Lonely. Needing a lift. This habit isn’t about saving money. It’s about mindfulness, learning to pause and ask, “Do I really need this, why do I want it?
One of the themes that has been bubbling up this year is sustainability, not just for the planet, but how I live and spend my energy. Owning less feels lighter. Wanting less feels freeing. And needing less , that’s peace. I am asking myself , what does “enough” really mean for me.
So saying out load and putting it out there is not easy, it makes me 100% accountable. This really will give me insights into how I consume stuff. I will keep you posted.
Weekly Reflection Take a moment to look around your space this week: What have you bought that no longer serves a purpose? What feeling were you chasing when you bought it? What does enough mean for you? Sometimes the best way to create space for more joy is to release what’s quietly weighing you down.
